Tick Bean
Vicia faba minutafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. A40D — Vicia faba minuta
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IOverview
Overview
Tick Bean (Vicia faba minuta) is an annual forb or herb that grows up to 1 meter tall and can be found in its native range across regions such as Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Corsica, Cyprus, Egypt, and parts of France. Known for its edible seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, thriving best at pH levels between 7 and 7.5. Its distinctive feature is its small size compared to other Vicia species, making it stand out among similar plants.
Quick answers
What is Tick Bean?
Tick Bean (Vicia faba minuta) is an annual forb or herb that grows up to 1 meter tall and can be found in its native range across regions such as Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Corsica, Cyprus, Egypt, and parts of France.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tick Bean thrives in light to medium and heavy soils but prefers a well-draining type. It requires moist conditions and is best suited for a pH of 7–7.5. This annual plant grows up to 1 meter tall and can be cultivated as a vine or forb/herb. It needs full sun to partial shade, with a light requirement rating of 8/10. Propagate by seed directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Tick Bean is hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-8. Ensure it gets regular watering and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb, Vine
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Tick Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with Tick Beans for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Tick Bean seeds, a garden or container pot, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2.5 cm deep, spaced 15 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant after germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support with stakes or trellises as the vines grow. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and prevent disease spread.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting support structures, not removing spent flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Tick Bean is edible and its seeds can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, the seeds are prepared by boiling or roasting before eating. They can also be dried for later use. Skip the specifics on growing conditions as they pertain to cultivation rather than consumption.
Other uses:FiberCover cropSoap makingDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)IranIraqKazakhstanPakistanPalestine
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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